Lithgow athlete Richard Forbes has returned from the recent Australian Transport Games with a swag of medals. Forbes, who has enjoyed significant success at the Transplant Games since he first competed in 2002, took home two gold medals in the table tennis singles and men's pairs competitions. He also finished with bronze medals in the petonque (singles and doubles competitions), in darts and in lawn bowls. According to organisers, the games aim to unite those who have undergone transplants and showcase their renewed strength through a week of sports competitions. Forbes underwent a cornea transplant in 2001 at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and has since competed at each of the Australian Transplant Games. Read more He trains under the guidance of coach Inh Van Le, who is based in Fairfield. Forbes began playing table tennis when he was just a lad, but gave up for a decade to concentrate on playing lawn bowls with his father. He took up the sport again in recent years. Earlier this year, he was recognised for his outstanding achievements in the field of lawn bowls, darts, table tennis and petonque with a Reg Cowden Memorial Sports Award, presented by Lithgow City Council. International games are held in Australia every two years, but so far Forbes has not been able to compete, as cornea transplant recipients have not been included as eligible competitors in the international competition. The games aim to highlight the difference transplants are making to people’s lives. The message to all Australians from the staging of the Games is to register as an organ and tissue donor. The Australian Transplant Games are the country’s largest organ donation awareness event. Join the Australian Organ Donor Register online by visiting donatelife.gov.au. While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Lithgow Mercury. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.

He trains under the guidance of coach Inh Van Le, who is based in Fairfield.

Forbes began playing table tennis when he was just a lad, but gave up for a decade to concentrate on playing lawn bowls with his father.

He took up the sport again in recent years.

Richard Forbes celebrates.

Earlier this year, he was recognised for his outstanding achievements in the field of lawn bowls, darts, table tennis and petonque with a Reg Cowden Memorial Sports Award, presented by Lithgow City Council.

International games are held in Australia every two years, but so far Forbes has not been able to compete, as cornea transplant recipients have not been included as eligible competitors in the international competition.

The games aim to highlight the difference transplants are making to people’s lives. The message to all Australians from the staging of the Games is to register as an organ and tissue donor.

The Australian Transplant Games are the country’s largest organ donation awareness event. Join the Australian Organ Donor Register online by visiting donatelife.gov.au.

Do you have sports news to share? Email kirsty.horton@fairfaxmedia.com.au.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Lithgow Mercury. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.